With the hazards, vulnerability, and impact all documented, droughts are undeniable risks in Southeast Asia that needs the attention of governments. A puzzling policy challenge however is that even though droughts are episodic and expected every few years, it remains underreported, with national adaptation measures fragmented, and is lower on the list of priorities among policy makers.
All - Cybersecurity - Digital Economy
A Red Flag for the Philippine Digital Economy
The Philippines is the fastest growing digital economy in Southeast Asia. In 2021, the internet economy in the country is valued at US$ 17 billion — an exponential increase from the US$ 2 billion levels in 2015. While all ASEAN-6 countries are expected to have double-digit growth rates in the internet economy, the Philippines leads the way with a projected 24% compounded annual growth rate by 2025.
All - Public Policy
Phone-A-Friend: Pilot Program Launch!
The Phone-A-Friend pilot program is running at the Makiling Integrated School in Calamba Philippines. After a few nation-wide delays in the semester start, the programme started in October with five dedicated tutors and a class of 47 students!
All - Digital Economy - International Relations
Revisiting the U.S.-China 5G Race: New Sheriff, Same Stakes
The Biden Administration ushers a transition in United States’ foreign policies, most of which overturns Trump’s position in the international arena. On his first day, Biden renewed American commitment to climate change initiatives, rejoined the World Health Organization, and reversed Trump’s immigration policies. While there will be several departures from the previous foreign policy directions, some things will remain the same.
All - Cybersecurity - Public Policy
We Need To Talk About the Hidden Pandemic: OSEC in the Philippines
While the government-imposed lockdowns have kept people safe from the virus, it has unintentionally facilitated a dramatic rise in one of the most heinous forms of modern human trafficking: online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC). It is a horrific crime where minors are sexually abused through photos, videos, and even livestreaming of sexual acts—and we need to have conversations about it.